A little over a week ago, the Subaru of Brian and Erin Wood was hit from behind by a Chevy Blazer believed to be driven by a woman under the influence of several illegal substances. In a last minute swerve to the right, Brian Wood, a developer at Relic Entertainment (currently at work on Company of Heroes Online), placed himself between the oncoming vehicle and his pregnant wife Erin. The move saved their lives and two of the backseat passengers in the Chevy Blazer, but cost Brian his own. Days later, a memorial trust was established in Brian Wood’s name by fellow developers and friends, and spawned a social media campaign that garnered hundreds of letters of condolence and donations. Notable efforts also came from other studios, like the folks at Bungie, who put up an Xbox 360 unit signed by the entire staff on Ebay auction, donating 100% of the profits to the memorial trust.
“All the policeman say that if we had hit the car head-on all of us would be dead,” Erin Wood said in an interview with local paper, The Province. “At the very last second (Brian) braked really hard and turned right so that he would be put in the path of the SUV and not me and the baby, and that is the only thing that saved us both. He was always sacrificing himself for me and the baby.”
Erin Wood also sent an open letter to the gaming community in response to the show of support, “Brian always told me about how close-knit and wonderful the video game community was, but I had no idea until this tragedy just how special a group it really is,” she writes. “From all the articles and comments, to the emails and donations, I am simply stunned and so touched by the love, kindness, and generosity shown to me and my family.”
Those wishing to help the Woods family can donate or send your support to the Memorial Trust.